Explore the North Norfolk Coastal Path

Woodland Holiday Park is delightfully off the beaten track, but it’s a great starting point for exploring. That’s because, tucked away off the B1159, we’re just a five minute walk from a really great feature of North Norfolk – the Norfolk Coast Path.

The Coastal Path

The Coast Path links the lovely towns of Cromer and Hunstanton. That’s 45 miles so you may not want to walk it all at once! But, if you take it in stages, as most people do, it’s a fantastic way to see some wonderful North Norfolk coastal scenery. Just plan out the sections of the route you fancy walking and start exploring.

This is an area of great charm and its increasing popularity has not spoiled it. Secluded, picturesque and a haven for wildlife – as well as all the ‘creature comforts’ you deserve on holiday – it’s one of the country’s best kept secrets. And it’s right on your doorstep when you’re staying at Woodland Holiday Park!

The variety you’ll find in North Norfolk is amazing. From the salt marshes near Brancaster, to the wide, white sandy beaches of Holkham, you’ll see sights that define North Norfolk. You’ll watch the seals at Blakeney Point, and the ever changing backdrop of cliffs and shingle, sea and spray.

The place names alone are so evocative of this stunning yet secluded coast. Wells-next-the-Sea, Holme-next-the-Sea, Cley, Malthouse and Weybourne are all part of the history, and the here and now, of North Norfolk. This is scenery to savour as you wander by beaches and woodland.

Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Norfolk Coast Path was opened in 1986 and it’s in the North Norfolk Coast AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). At Holme-next-the -Sea it links to the Peddars Way and the two paths, or trails, are usually considered as parts of the same overall route.

Cromer is where the path links to the Weavers Way. That’s the trail that leads all the way to Great Yarmouth, and takes its name from the weaving industry that made medieval Norfolk wealthy. There’s a lot of history to discover, as well as scenery, on the Coast Path. The harbours, rivers, railways and country houses are treasure troves of Norfolk’s heritage.

Some of the places you’ll discover in the area include Hunstanton, which is well worth a visit, and Weybourne, the really lovely town that features the beautifully preserved North Norfolk Railway. (You may remember it appearing in Dad’s Army!).

You can find things to do in the towns and villages, or just chill with nothing to do except stroll. That’s the beauty of North Norfolk. It’s somewhere to take life at a pace that suits you. Somewhere to take some time out.

Natural Norfolk

The Norfolk Coast Path is a natural, and evolving, route through some of the county’s most beautiful areas. It’s the mixture of cliffs and sand dunes, beaches and marshes that make the area special. It’s great for bird watching, ideal for beach walking and not exactly devoid of great places to eat and drink!

You can join the path at several places so it’s worth checking out a map of the area. There are websites where you can find out information on line, and the staff at Woodland Holiday Park are always happy to help and advise.

You need to be aware that the terrain does vary and in places it’s a little demanding. There’s no need for rock climbing or any extreme activity, but it’s not a fully made up road either! So shoes rather than flip flops would be a good idea!

Exploring North Norfolk

The great thing is that the walks are challenging enough to be really good exercise, without being ‘for serious hikers only’. There is good access for people with disabilities, and although the path stays close to sea level along much of its route it’s a safe place to be. If you need it, there is a bus service along the main coastal road.

Walking The Coast Path is a great way to explore the area, and enjoy the sights and sounds of North Norfolk. It’s an experience you can tailor to suit yourselves, taking long walks some days or short strolls on others. Set off with lunch at a country pub as your goal, or just start out and see where the day takes you. There is so much to choose from you’ll never be at a loose end.

The North Norfolk Coast Path is here to be explored. Being so close to Woodland Holiday Park makes it an ideal opportunity to really get to know the area, and be able to walk just far enough to ‘return to base’ at Woodland to round off your day.